What are these Republicans thinking?
On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris received endorsements from three prominent former Republican leaders in New Hampshire, all of whom previously supported Nikki Haley in the Republican primary. This surprising shift has raised eyebrows and signaled a potential realignment among certain GOP voters.
Former Senator Gordon Humphrey, along with former Congressman and New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice Chuck Douglas and former Attorney General Thomas Rath, publicly denounced Donald Trump, describing him as a divisive and unstable figure. In a statement, Humphrey emphasized his long-standing Republican affiliation but stated, “I cannot support Donald Trump. He poses a threat to our democracy and the values we hold dear.” His plea for fellow Republicans to reconsider their support for Trump underscores a growing sentiment among some in the party.
Douglas echoed this sentiment, asserting that Trump prioritizes his personal interests over the nation’s well-being. He characterized Trump’s approach as a quest to punish political adversaries rather than a commitment to public service. In contrast, Douglas expressed confidence in Harris, labeling her a “steady hand at the ship of state,” particularly in light of Trump’s perceived volatility.
Rath similarly condemned Trump’s approach, highlighting a “campaign of division” that he feels undermines core American values. The Harris campaign seized on these endorsements, claiming that support among registered Republicans is increasing not just in New Hampshire but nationwide. They reported a significant rise in Republican volunteers and a notable percentage of GOP voters indicating they plan to support Democratic candidates in the upcoming elections.
In response, the Trump campaign pointed to Haley’s ongoing support for him and noted endorsements from other notable figures, emphasizing that his movement remains robust and diverse. “President Trump is building a historic coalition committed to making America great again,” asserted national press secretary Karoline Leavitt, inviting anyone who shares their vision for America to join their cause.
New Hampshire has historically been a pivotal swing state, and with Harris currently leading Trump in public opinion polls, the upcoming election could prove critical for both parties. Fox News has categorized the state as “Likely Democratic,” further complicating the landscape for Trump’s campaign.